Treatment Strategies for Complex Back and Neck Pain - 6/10/2025
About the Course
Clinical outcomes for patients with chronic back and neck pain has historically been poor. Why? Patients with chronic back or neck pain need more than hands-on treatment and exercises. Pain is complex and a systematic approach is necessary to evaluate the type of pain most dominant in a patient’s clinical presentation. The subjective interview should review potential red and yellow flags. The objective evaluation should prioritize what areas need to be addressed first. Patients need and want knowledge; thus, patient education is paramount. This course expounds on pain assessment, pain neuroscience education, as well as pain treatment and approach.
Course Objectives:
- Recognize the prevalence/incidence of cervical and lumbar pain and how this influences clinical practice.
- Select the most common forms of self report patient outcomes measures used for complex back and neck patient.
- Identify the most prevalent red flags during the spine examination, in addition knowing what yellow flags to consider.
- Identify the most diagnostic cervical oriented special tests and lumbar oriented special tests.
- Recognize the proposed benefit to classifying low back and neck conditions by similarity.
- Recognize the effectiveness of each technique for treatment within the classifications.
- Recognize the value and benefits of Pain Science Education.
- Identify the 4 R’s of pain Science Education.
- Select the most appropriate patients for cervical manipulation based on Clinic Prediction Rule.
- Select the most dominant pain mechanism for their patients. 11. Recognize the benefit of using the BPS model.
About the Author:
Pieter L. de Smidt has over 30 years of experience as a Physical Therapist. He has achieved certifications in Mckenzie Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy, Manual Therapy, and Sports Therapy. With his Post- Professional Doctorate in PT he specialized in management of musculoskeletal injuries of the spine & extremities. He passionate about combining hands-on treatment with pain science education. Pieter L. de Smidt practices in his own clinic, “Reset-Wellness Physical Therapy & Medical Fitness”, in Houston, TX. He uses an evidence-based, integrated approach of manual therapy & exercise. The main focus for his practice is to bridge the gap between rehab and fitness by improving patient’s lifestyle choices through education and to incorporate strength & conditioning principles into physical therapy treatments She is a member of the APTA including the Clinical Electrophysiology and Wound Management section and Geriatric section.
Audience/Accreditations and Approvals
Colibri Healthcare
This course is designed for the following healthcare professions (select your profession for details):
Physical Therapy
If you require special accommodations, please contact Colibri Healthcare Support by clicking here: Contact Us
